Scientists Criticize Government’s Disaster Response Amid Crising Floods
MANILA, Philippines—A prominent scientist group has strongly criticized the Marcos administration for what it calls the “continued failure and negligence” in handling disasters. They point to the recent flooding caused by Typhoon Crising, the southwest monsoon, and twin storms Dante and Emong, which once again submerged parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
AGHAM – Advocates of Science and Technology for the People – released a statement on July 24, highlighting the inadequate disaster response and management despite the government’s billions spent on flood control. The group emphasized that these shortcomings reflect deeper systemic problems under the current administration.
Massive Flooding Persists Despite Billions in Funding
Cleng Julve, AGHAM’s secretary general, said, “One year after the devastating effects of Carina and the enhanced habagat, we are again forced to endure the same perennial problem of inadequate disaster response and management.”
According to government data, ₱680.2 billion is allocated for flood management programs from 2023 to 2025, with ₱249.8 billion earmarked for 2025 alone. Yet, Julve noted, “massive flooding continues to devastate communities.”
Between July 19 and 22, Metro Manila recorded 573 millimeters of rainfall at PAGASA’s Science Garden in Quezon City—surpassing a month’s average rainfall in just four days. However, Julve stressed that rainfall is only part of the problem.
Infrastructure Fails to Meet Climate Challenges
“More than a month’s worth of rain fell in four days’ time, but rainfall alone is not to blame,” Julve explained. “Metro Manila’s infrastructure is not built for extreme weather events. The projects being done do not respond to our country’s reality as susceptible to typhoons, what more with the changes brought about by the climate crisis.”
AGHAM scientists argue that flooding is not just a natural disaster but a symptom of flawed policies. The government has focused heavily on large infrastructure projects while neglecting crucial programs like watershed protection, land use planning, and coastal defense.
“Our natural drainage systems have been covered by infrastructure,” Julve said. “While critical programs like watershed protection, land use planning, and coastal defense are overlooked, environmentally destructive projects such as reclamation, quarrying, and deforestation continue.”
Criticism of Presidential Remarks on Flooding Causes
The group also condemned President Marcos’ comments last year attributing severe flooding from Typhoon Carina to climate change and improper waste disposal. During a visit to flooded communities, Marcos said in Filipino, “We have more flood control now than before, but climate change—this is what the effects of climate change are.”
He added, “The problem is, I hope people learn. Don’t throw your trash anywhere, because it’s the garbage that clogged our pumps, making them less effective than they could be.”
AGHAM called this explanation “scientifically inaccurate and administratively irresponsible,” emphasizing that while climate change poses a global threat, disaster preparedness is a national duty.
Call for Urgent Policy Overhaul and Environmental Protection
“Rain is natural, but negligence is a decision. Disaster risk is not just a technical issue—it is political and structural. Climate change is real, but so is incompetence of Marcos Jr.,” Julve said.
The group demands an immediate halt to ecologically harmful projects such as reclamation and insists on a more integrated approach to disaster risk reduction. This includes protecting watersheds and enforcing stricter land use planning.
As floodwaters continue disrupting Metro Manila and nearby areas, displacing families and prompting emergency responses in Luzon, AGHAM urges the government to invest in both “soft” and “non-structural” solutions alongside infrastructure improvements.
For more news and updates on disaster response, visit Filipinokami.com.
